Text available as:

Shown Here:Public Law No: 107-209 (08/06/2002)

[107th Congress Public Law 209]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
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[DOCID: f:publ209.107]
[[Page 116 STAT. 931]]
Public Law 107-209
107th Congress
Joint Resolution
Conferring honorary citizenship of the United States posthumously on
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de
Lafayette. &lt;&lt;NOTE: Aug. 6, 2002 - [S.J. Res. 13]&gt;&gt;
Whereas the United States has conferred honorary citizenship on four
other occasions in more than 200 years of its independence, and
honorary citizenship is and should remain an extraordinary honor not
lightly conferred nor frequently granted;
Whereas Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de
Lafayette or General Lafayette, voluntarily put forth his own money
and risked his life for the freedom of Americans;
Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette, by an Act of Congress, was voted to
the rank of Major General;
Whereas, during the Revolutionary War, General Lafayette was wounded at
the Battle of Brandywine, demonstrating bravery that forever
endeared him to the American soldiers;
Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette secured the help of France to aid the
United States' colonists against Great Britain;
Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette was conferred the honor of honorary
citizenship by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of
Maryland;
Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette was the first foreign dignitary to
address Congress, an honor which was accorded to him upon his return
to the United States in 1824;
Whereas, upon his death, both the House of Representatives and the
Senate draped their chambers in black as a demonstration of respect
and gratitude for his contribution to the independence of the United
States;
Whereas an American flag has flown over his grave in France since his
death and has not been removed, even while France was occupied by
Nazi Germany during World War II; and
Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette gave aid to the United States in her
time of need and is forever a symbol of freedom: Now, therefore, be
it
[[Page 116 STAT. 932]]
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Marie Joseph Paul Yves
Roche Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette, is proclaimed
posthumously to be an honorary citizen of the United States of America.
Approved August 6, 2002.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S.J. Res. 13:
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HOUSE REPORTS: No. 107-595 (Comm. on the Judiciary).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD:
Vol. 147 (2001):
Dec. 18, considered and passed
Senate.
Vol. 148 (2002):
July 22, considered and passed
House, amended.
July 24, Senate concurred in House
amendments.
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